ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University basketball team opened the 2024-25 home season with a 64-53 defeat of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Falcons on Saturday afternoon at Butler Center. 

Hattie Fox paced St. Kate's with 22 points and eleven rebounds shooting 7-10 from the free throw line. Jordyn Peed scored 15 on the Falcons with five rebounds and one block and Emme Golembiewski and Kaylee Miron each added seven points. Golembiewski had a game best 13 boards along with three blocks and two assists. Miron added two rebounds, two assists and one steal. 

The first quarter saw a back-and-forth battle between River Falls and St. Kate's, marked by strong defense and frequent turnovers. Averie Varsho opened scoring for UW-River Falls, but St. Catherine responded with key plays from Rachel Randleman and Emma Golembieswski. Late buckets by Maddie Young and Peed gave St. Catherine a 16-11 edge heading into the second. 

In the second quarter, the Falcons struggled with turnovers, while the Wildcats capitalized on fast breaks led by Hattie Fox and Peed. Despite consistent foul trouble on both sides, St. Kate's extended the lead to 20 points by the end of the quarter, thanks to timely baskets and free throws. 

Coming out of the half, the Wildcats maintained control extending the lead to a game high 24 points. Lily Peper and Fox showcased the Wildcats dominance in the paint while defensive rebounds and turnovers  played a pivotal role, with both teams struggling to capitalize on opportunities late in the sequence. 

River Falls narrowed St. Kate's lead in the final quarter but Peed's late run and free throws extended St. Kate's margin. Despite the Falcons fourth quarter push, the Wildcats maintained a steady lead while shooting 67 percent from the free throw line. 

The Wildcats are back in action hosting Martin Luther College on Wednesday, November 20 at 7 pm in Butler Center.